‘That’s it. Professional tourists. It’s well known. A lot of people around the world make a living out of this, couriering money for criminal organisations or individuals. It’s a real five-star lifestyle. Presumably he does it this way because he’s being watched. More than likely both the Icelandic authorities and the banks he owes money to are keeping a close eye on his business affairs.’

‘So he can use the tourists to bring money that nobody is allowed to know is his to Iceland and put it into the hotel’s finances?’

‘Exactly,’ Michael said. ‘And doing this means that the hotel returns a profit, maybe even a large profit, so he can invest in the next project, which gives him an opportunity to get on his feet again in business in Iceland.’

‘I know he pays the staff some of their earnings cash in hand. He told me that himself.’

‘That fits as well. He’s using some of the money he can’t account for to reduce the hotels’ running costs, so that the official profits look healthier. I feel sorry for anyone who buys one of his hotels on the basis of those accounts.’

That was an aspect Áróra hadn’t thought of. Maybe it was part of a strategy to make the hotels’ finances look healthy. That way he would be able to sell them for a respectable amount, but the buyer would undoubtedly be disappointed once the genuine running costs became apparent. It was a dirty trick, and Áróra immediately felt better about going behind Hákon’s back. 196

‘Michael, could I ask you to get in touch with the Icelandic tax authorities and the German bank Hákon owes a pile of money to, and ask if either or both of them have any interest in buying information about Hákon’s secret accounts? No names, obviously.’

Michael was silent for a moment, and then cleared his throat. Áróra knew him well enough to recognise that this was an indicator that he was nervous.

‘I’ll do my best,’ he said.

Áróra went to the window and drew back the curtains. Her hangover had cleared, and she was so wide awake after the call that she considered going outside for a walk, or even a run. Now she would have to hope that either the German bank or the Icelandic tax office would take the bait before Agla had her figured out.

197

82

I can feel the tension inside me, and I can’t help but look forward to finding out if Michael can strike a deal with the German bank on my behalf.

I look forward to knowing how much the bank will agree to.

I look forward to knowing if I’ll get the money, whether or not I’ll have the chance to roll around in a bigger pile of cash than ever.

Then I remember Ísafold.